The Islamic Training Organisation of Nigeria has petitioned the police and the Department of State Services in Lagos and Ogun states over what it described as a growing wave of online hate speech and cyberbullying targeted at Muslims.
In separate petitions addressed to the Commissioners of Police and DSS directors in both states, the group called for urgent intervention to curb what it termed rising religious intolerance on social media.
The organisation’s National Missioner, Sheikh Uwais Luqman Olanrewaju, said the move was triggered by recent online attacks against Nollywood actors Abdullateef Adedimeji and Adebimpe Oyebade following the birth of their triplets.
According to the group, instead of celebrating the newborns, some social media users mocked the Islamic names given to the children, sparking outrage among Muslims and advocates of religious tolerance.
ITOON described the comments as “disturbing, inhumane and deeply offensive,” noting that innocent children were subjected to ridicule because of their religious identity.
The group expressed particular concern over remarks allegedly made by a social media user identified as “MS Baba,” who reportedly described the newborns as “slaves.”
Olanrewaju said such language was degrading and capable of inciting hatred and division, warning that unchecked online abuse could worsen Nigeria’s fragile social cohesion.
“Freedom of expression must not be weaponised to promote abuse, discrimination or religious hostility,” he said, adding that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to practise their religion without intimidation.
He cautioned that failure to address online religious intolerance could embolden perpetrators and deepen societal fault lines.
The organisation also pointed to what it described as a broader pattern of harassment against Muslims across the country, citing concerns raised by advocacy groups over attacks on Muslim women wearing hijab and reports of targeted hate speech against Igbo Muslims in the South-East.
ITOON noted that existing laws, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, provide sufficient legal framework to address such offences.
It specifically referenced provisions criminalising cyberstalking, online harassment and the dissemination of offensive messages capable of causing emotional distress or public disorder.
The group, therefore, demanded a public apology from the individual at the centre of the controversy to the affected family and the Muslim community.
It warned that failure to comply could result in legal action.
“The law is clear. Those who use social media to spread hate must understand that there are consequences,” Olanrewaju said.
“Mocking children and attacking families because of religion diminishes our shared humanity and threatens peaceful coexistence.”
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